SEPTA app allows riders to report security, safety issues to police
The SEPTA Transit Watch app, developed by ELERTS, enables riders to discreetly report issues to transit police in less than 20 seconds.
The SEPTA Transit Watch app, developed by ELERTS, enables riders to discreetly report issues to transit police in less than 20 seconds. Screenshot via SEPTA
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and ELERTS Corp. announced the launch of a mobile app that enables riders to discreetly report security or safety issues to SEPTA Transit Police in less than 20 seconds.
The SEPTA Transit Watch app is available as a free download on both the Apple and Android stores. The app’s features include:
Incident reporting: including photo/video, a description of what is being observed, and the GPS location of the problem.
Discretion: riders may choose to send reports anonymously and a rider’s smartphone flash is automatically turned off when taking a photo.
Two-way communication: SEPTA Police dispatcher may ask questions or provide instructions to the rider.
BOLO alerts: “Be On the Look Out” messages may be sent to riders, regarding a person of interest being sought, such as a missing person or a criminal suspect.
SEPTA Transit Watch can also be used by customers with old-style flip phones by using “Text A Tip,” which allows them to reach SEPTA Transit Police with a simple text message. Additionally, the mobile safety app provides a new way for the deaf and hard of hearing community to communicate with SEPTA Police. The app also includes visually-impaired functionality.
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